Anyone Go On Vacation....

Hi Tracy!  I've had it go both ways---when I was fairly early out, I went on a one-week cruise and actually lost about a pound, and then on some subsequent trips, I've put on a few.  The key for me is allowing myself a few treats that I normally wouldn't, but balancing it will lots of activity.  I choose excursions that involve lots of walking or other movement (kayaking, scuba, snorkeling, etc.).  When I visit my parents (who are elderly and very sedentary) I excuse myself to go for walks, etc. I also tend to bring protein bars, etc., for the times when I don't see anything I like on the menu (like fast food stops when I'm with other people that want that).  Also, on long car or plane trips I usually will bring beef jerky with me.  I can munch on it and still safely drive, it's low in calories and fat, takes a long time to eat, and is very portable. Anyway, I hope you have a great time on your vacation!! Hugs, Connie -147#

Thanks Connie! With all of the recent airline horror stories of being stuck on planes for hours on end I'll be bring all of us some healthy snacks, LOL!!! Hopefully nothing like that will happen to us b/c that would be terrible with 2 children along for the ride! I think I'll try to focus on good protein sources at most meals, but also allow  myself a few treats along the way!

We went on vacation last summer and had to eat every meal out.  I was able to make some good choices as my husband is very supportive and helped make sure we ate places where I could eat good things that I needed.  I did eat a few treats as we were on vacation after all, but we got in lots and lots of walking as we were at amusements parks and water parks.  I was afraid to weigh when I got home just out of habit of being afraid of the scale, but I ended up losing 1 pound while we were gone.   I am not worried about you at all.  You are so good to keep with the program and take care of yourself.  So, I think you will do just fine.  Have fun on vacation!! Let us know all about it when you get back.  We'll miss ya while you're gone.  Melissa

Hi Melissa!!! We'll be doing alot of amusement park walking for a week, so that will help! I'm going to try to get in some exercise while at my parents house too, but not sure if it will acutally happen or not.  Thanks for your support!!! I'm going to do my best and hope for the best!!!

Hi Tracy ~ I went on a cruise in January and LOST 5 pounds!  I was just very conscious about getting in my daily protein - I brougt protein shakes with me (the pre-mixed AdvantEdge shakes) and had one to start each morning.  I was selective and made food choices I knew were good for me.  On occasion, I'd have a small bite of a dinner role and even had ONE glass of wine in the evenings, but for the most part, you know what you can and can't eat - i.e. go for the protein, and avoid foods that are high in calories, fat and carbs.  Good luck and ENJOY yourself!   ~ Terri

Wow, that's awesome Terri!!!! Sounds like it was a good time all the way around!!!!!

Good Morning Tracy, Great news! My husband and I have been on vacation a couple of times. We went to Europe for three weeks in July last year, and over new years we went on a Disney Cruise (Both were gifts from good friends).   Europe was a blast. We ate out every single day, and I'll tell you the food was fabulous. We also did so much walking that I actually lost 4 lbs while there. I think we walked nearly 100 miles in three weeks. Europeans walk EVERYWHERE!  I do have horrible dumping issues with even small amounts of sugar so I couldn't indulge in any of the sweets. I did tell my husband I was thankful for this surgery because I think I would have eaten my way through Europe (Germany, Rome, & Paris).  The idea of the cruise scared me as I knew there would access to food practically 24/7. Again, I lost 3 lbs on the cruise. I made really good choices and because we were so busy I ate 3 meals a day (protein and produce) and even indulged in beautiful bread/rolls (one at each meal) with real butter. I did have some Atkins bars with me and usually had one or two a day while we were on excursions. I also drank a lot of water. I did indulge in diet coke on the cruise. It reminded me of Coke Light in Europe as it did not have a lot of carbonation.  My weight has stayed the same 152-155 for almost a year now. I'd really like to drop that extra 20 lbs. I think I ate the best on the cruise (3 meals, minimal snacking, protein and produce, and lots of walking).  I just need to implement this at home, and I think I'd drop that extra 20. Heck, I just need a great chef to cook for me everyday! Have a good time on vacation, enjoy your family, relax at the hotel, and just make really good choices. Don't eat until you are full, just until you are satisfied, remember not to drink at mealtime, and keep that bottle of water handy. ENJOY the warm weather! Debra

Thanks Debra!!! You are all giving me hope of not gaining while gone!!! I know I can do it~I just need to stay focused I guess,  LOL!!!!

Tracy, I went on an Alaskan cruise last summer and did not gain any weight.  I definitely ate more than I normally do, but I was also a lot more active than usual.  I used the fitness center on the ship 5 days out of 7, plus did lots and lots of walking.  I'm sure that being able to bump up my physical activity helped me maintain my weight.   Regarding maintaining something close to normal while you're staying at a hotel, just make a plan and stick with it.  I always travel with a small cooler, stocked with yogurt, cottage cheese, apples, and cheese sticks.  I also take apples and perhaps some other fruit (bananas, grapes - whatever is in season and looks good).  Finally, I take a stash of protein bars with me and keep one in my bag.  That way if I need to eat and there are no healthy choices readily available, I can eat my protein bar.  I also pack some of the 100 calorie snack packs (Kashi crackers, pretzels, etc.) so I have some easy-access snacks in the car while we're driving.   Regarding eating at restaurants, I'm fortunate that I usually travel with folks that understand my dietary needs.  So they are amenable to ordering a single meal and splitting it, or splitting an appetizer and a salad.  So we don't wind up with a lot of leftovers or throwing away a lot of food.  And if that doesn't work for some reason, I'll often order soup and an appetizer, or just an appertizer.   Finally, don't make yourself crazy about not gaining any weight.  I know you don't want to work off 5-7 pounds when you get home, but do allow yourself to enjoy and splurge a little bit.  Just don't go overboard!!! 

Enjoy a little Florida sunshine for me! Kellie

Thanks Kellie!! I'm getting excited about going now. I will have some fun, but I'll try not to go too overboard!